Christopher Truax Jr. was an active duty U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant stationed at MCAS Miramar, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said. They are offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who can offer information leading to the arrest of his killer.

Truax Jr.'s wife, Alexia, shared photos with KSWB showing her with her late husband and their 11-month-old son.

She also shared an emotional message to the love of her life:

“To the person who molded me … thank you for choosing me to be the mother of your son and wife,” Alexia said in part. “My love for you is endless, and just knowing baby Chris and I won’t be hearing from you again makes me go insane. It feels like a bad dream and I am speechless. You didn’t deserve this Christopher and you will forever be in my heart."

Deputies say they found Truax Jr. bleeding from a gunshot wound on Pacific Avenue, between West Street and New Jersey Avenue, just after midnight Friday.

Lemon Grove Fire Department crews attempted to save his life, but Truax Jr. died at 12:39 a.m., according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. A woman was spotted in a parked car near the injured Marine, but investigators say she is currently only considered a witness to the crime.